Local author John Cherwonogrodsky's book "Thirty Short Stories on Make Believe; Some Nice, Some Naughty," is now available.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Local author John Cherwonogrodsky is looking forward to sharing his newest book Thirty Short Stories on Make Believe; Some Nice, Some Naughty with Medicine Hat are area residents.
Cherwonogrodsky, who published his first book SomethinK for Everyone in 2019, is a scientist by trade but has always had a knack for writing.
“I just enjoy writing,” Cherwonogrodsky told the News. “Most people I will have a thought like ‘Geez, that strikes me as unusual’ or ‘What if this happened?’ I just put down these different thoughts.”
Cherwonogrodsky describes the book as a small collection of ideas, many of which were sparked by things he encountered in life and travel.
“The 30 stories is actually a small part of what was going on in my head,” he said. “I just picked the ones I liked best.”
The first 20 stories in the book are directed at a general audience of all ages, however Cherwonogrodky recommends the last 10 be read by a more mature audience.
“I think sometimes adults need to sit back and just have something which is a little risque,” said Cherwonogrodsky. “The last 10 stories are for adults. They may want to have a chuckle and sit down with a glass of wine and (enjoy).”
Approximately 400 pages in length, the book includes more than just stories. Cherwonogrodsky includes notes at the end of each story, which he hopes will provide background info to the reader about his though process and research. He also hopes it might inspire others to write.
“People ask me, ‘How did you get a book which is around 400 pages? … If you have a thought in your head and you put it down, the story writes itself,” Cherwonogrodsky explained. “It’s almost like it wasn’t me directing everything, it was the story and concept directing it.
“I’d really (like) to encourage everybody, especially students, to start writing,” he said. “If (someone) comes across one idea in a week, that’s 52 stories in a year.”
Now retired, Cherwonogrodsky plans to continue writing, but doesn’t yet know what his next book will focus on.
“Another group of stories I’d like to do is science fiction stories,” he said. “My wife suggested instead of doing those (next), I should put down my life adventures because people would not believe what I’ve lived through.”
With Thirty Short Stories on Make Believe; Some Nice, Some Naughty now available for purchase, Cherwonogrodsky is excited to hear the reaction from readers. He will be present at several events throughout the next few months around the city so he can meet with his audience.
On March 26, Cherwonogrodsky will be at Unlimited Characters book store from 1-4 p.m. He will also be present for a reading of the book at the Medicine Hat Library in May – date to be determined.
Anyone interested in purchasing the book can do so at Unlimited Characters. It is also available on Amazon.ca in print or e-edition.
